The Right Mix of Nutrients for Every Four-legged Friend

From natural extracts and herbs to valuable oils: the range of supplementary food for dogs is large. So that you as a dog owner can keep track of things, we have summarized for you which feed supplements are available and when additives are a useful addition to the daily feed ration.

What is a Complementary Food for Dogs?

Complementary feeds are nutrients or feed additives that are given to the dog in addition to its normal dog food. These are not drugs, but food supplements, oils, vitamins, or natural extracts. Nevertheless, you should speak to your veterinarian before giving any supplementary feed and have any health problems in your dog clarified.

When Does It Make Sense to Feed Supplementary Dog Food?

If your dog eats complete food, he usually does not need supplementary food, as all the important nutrients are already contained in the dog food. However, there are exceptions: Supplementary food for dogs can help with deficiency symptoms, protect against disease and alleviate disease symptoms. Supplementary feeds are specially used for joint problems and osteoarthritis, gastrointestinal complaints, fur, and teeth problems. When it comes to barking, it is often advisable to give supplementary feed to cover the dog’s entire nutritional needs.

Which Supplementary Food is the Right One for the Dog?

There are many different dog feed supplements available. When buying food supplements, pay attention to the quality of the ingredients. The dosage form is also important: powder or flakes can easily be mixed with dog food. Capsules or tablets are not swallowed voluntarily by all dogs and often require a little more patience.

Supplementary dog food for the joints and osteoarthritis

Many dogs suffer from joint problems or osteoarthritis during their lifetime. Depending on how severe the joint disease is, pain therapy or physiotherapy may be required. But supplementary food can also support the dog’s joints. Devil’s claw, green-lipped mussel, and other feed supplements can alleviate osteoarthritis symptoms and delay the progression of the disease.

• Devil’s claw is a South African medicinal plant that has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Devil’s Claw helps especially with age-related osteoarthritis.
• Green-lipped mussel extract: New Zealand green-lipped mussel extract (GLM) contains omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation in the joints.
• Collagen is a natural building material for the joints and, in the form of supplementary feed, can counteract joint problems in dogs in the long term.
• Ginger, turmeric, linseed oil, and other foods and essential oils have also proven themselves as natural food supplements against joint problems in dogs.

Complementary feed: Treat dogs with intestinal problems

In the case of gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhea or flatulence, feed supplements can support the dog’s digestion in a natural way. Especially in the case of chronic complaints, the administration of food supplements is often necessary, as intestinal problems mean that fewer vitamins are absorbed through the intestinal mucosa. Deficiency symptoms and malaise are combated by many natural dog food supplements.

• The South African Uzara root has been used for digestive problems for centuries. As a supplementary food for dogs, it has a beneficial effect and protects against mineral loss.
• Healing earth protects the stomach and intestinal mucosa. It binds toxic substances and cleanses the dog’s body from the inside.
• Activated charcoal and charcoal tablets help especially with diarrhea. Toxins are bound and symptoms in the dog are quickly relieved.
• Herbs and herbal mixtures with fennel, chamomile, mallow, or lemon balm soothe the dog’s gastrointestinal tract in a natural way.

Healthy fur through supplementary food for dogs

Dandruff, itching, and hair loss are typical symptoms of skin or coat problems in dogs. If the symptoms persist, it is essential to clarify with the veterinarian where the symptoms are coming from. Coat and skin problems can be signs of allergies, intolerance, or other illnesses. Natural food supplements for dogs can help with mild symptoms or as an accompanying therapy.

• Medicinal plants such as marigold and pansy herbs have a calming effect on irritated dog skin.
• Herbs such as nettle, chamomile, and yarrow support the metabolism and thus contribute to healthy cell formation in the skin.
• Bach flowers can contribute to a shiny coat, for example, Bach flower essences from Impatiens, Chicory, Rocke Rose, and Sweet Chestnut.
• Linseed oil, salmon oil, and other feed supplements with omega-3 fatty acids provide essential fatty acids that strengthen the skin and coat.
• Biotin contributes to the elasticity of the skin and counteracts hair loss in dogs.
• Zinc supports wound healing in the skin that is prone to flake or cracked skin.

Strengthen teeth and bones with dog food supplements

Proper nutrition and thorough dental care are of central importance for healthy teeth. But dietary supplements can also contribute to the health of the teeth. Supplementary dog food for the bones in particular strengthens the teeth at the same time. Dogs with bone or dental problems benefit from supplementary feeds that provide the dog with essential minerals.

• Calcium ensures stable, healthy bones and teeth.
• Magnesium is an important mineral that strengthens the dog’s nervous system and bones.
• The sango coral is a natural source of more than 70 minerals that are particularly well absorbed by dogs. Sango coral is particularly suitable for dogs in growth and with deficiency symptoms.

Supplementary feed for the bar

Dogs that are fed barf meals need supplementary feed for a balanced diet because the vitamins and minerals contained in the raw food are often insufficient. To prevent deficiency symptoms or to compensate for deficiencies in the dog, many different barf additives can be used.

• Calcium supplements are important for bones, teeth, and joints.
• Vitamin C is often only contained in small amounts in meat or vegetables and can therefore be supplemented. Vitamin C is found in rose hips and pomegranate, among other things.
• Oils and herbal pastes can easily be mixed with the barf menu and provide the dog with healthy fatty acids and vitamins.

Conclusion: Supplementary Food Supports the Complete Nutrition of the Dog

Dogs don’t live on meat alone. You need balanced and wholesome food because the diet has a direct influence on the dog’s health. Older dogs, growing puppies, and dogs with pre-existing conditions particularly benefit from natural dog food supplements, which ensure an optimal supply of nutrients. In order to find the right combination for your dog, do your research and consult with your veterinarian.